Crusaders Oust Tiger’s in Close Game to Claim Regional Title.

After handling Lincoln Christian in the first round of regional
play with a 7-0 victory the Lady Tigers sought to even the score against
the defending national runner-up Maranatha Baptist. Earlier in the
year the Crusaders defeated the Tigers 2-0.

On a neutral pitch with a strong wind both teams looked to take
advantage of their strength. Maranatha with their speed and Grace with
their tactics. In game adjustments were plenty as both teams looked for
the tactical advantage during the first half. Grace with the wind at
their backs were unable to capitalize during the first frame as the
gusts kept pushing the ball just out of reach on their slot passes.
Debbie Pekel continued to be the focus of the Crusader defense often
times drawing 4 defenders when moving into scoring position.
Defensively Grace was able to overcome the first few rushes of MBBC and
make some adjustments which stalled the Crusader attack altogether.
After a hard fought 45 minutes the teams were deadlocked with
possession time and attacks evening out towards the end after a strong
start by MBBC.

The second half kicked off with the same intensity the first ended
with. Quickly making it apparent the game would be low scoring and
decided on the details of the game rather than the larger tactical
schemes. The teams were even, the coaches were even and the ladies from
both sides were pouring themselves into the match. Maranatha caught a
break on an unfortunate bounce quarter way through the 2nd half. Two
Grace defenders closed in to trap a ball as it bounced just out of reach
leaving a Crusader the chance for a nice finish on the far side to beat
the all-region keeper Lindsey Anible.

Grace would do everything in their power to counter the goal.
Switching players around and moving into an ever increasing high
pressure system. As the Tigers continued to press and control the pace
and attacks for the better part of the last 25 minutes they were able to
create several quality scoring chances. No chance was better than an
open netter from 15 yards out that was placed harmlessly over the
crossbar. Time and time again the Tiger rush would press the Crash
against the Crusader defense in the final minutes of the game. When the
final whistle sounded both teams running on empty the Crusaders were
able to outlast the Tigers in one of the best games in the short history
of the rivalry.

“This one is hard to swallow, but MBBC deserved the win.” Said Coach
Rumenapp, “Our girls left it all out on the field and I cannot ask for
anything more than that. I am extremely proud of them and the season
they had. Looking at where we are as a team now, compared to August
when we first came out, the improvement is staggering. I could not ask
for a better group of young ladies to coach. All season long they have
done everything we have asked of them and worked hard and played this
game as an act of worship.”